rust in front tank what should i replace
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New User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 10
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rust in front tank what should i replace
Guys have rust in front tank so switched to rear runs better but not good. I changed the fuel filter on frame rail was full of rust. I just found out about the filter in the black cannister used a oil filter wrench to take off an there is nothing in there. Gonna go to auto mart an see if they have one. After i replace it if it still runs bad what should i do its fuel inj. 5.0 1986 lariat. Do i have to take the injectors out an clean them. Can you clean a gas tank. Any help really helpful. Thanks dan Goulette55
New User
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 10
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From: south-central Missouri
It has been my experience that once you get rust in the tank you might as well replace the tank. You can buy some fancy coating to repair the rust from places like Eastwood or JC Whitney but it is a time consuming process and only worth it if you can't find an economical replacement tank. Finding a new tank for an 86 Ford is no problem. I don't have any advice to offer as far as the injectors and all that stuff is concerned; I am not educated enough in that area. Theoretically, the filter is supposed to catch anything big enough to hurt the injectors but I don't know for sure if that really happens. You may also have to be concerned about the fuel pump. I don't know if dirty or rusty fuel will damage the pump or not. If the pump is not outrageously priced I would probably replace it anyways since it is nearly 20 years old. The only thing I know absolutely for sure is that your tank should definitely be replaced.
Hotshot
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,697
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From: Marengo, Iowa
The in-tank pump should be replaced, if you get a salvage yard unit or such, you may get lucky and be able to run it, but the piece of mind of having a fresh one is worth the price in my opinion. The rust can sometimes get through the filters, or even form on steel lines after the pump and filter, so it is possible to have issues that way. Generally, for rust to have formed, it would have had to have sat for a while, and that can raise other issues. You could try a fresh tank and pump, and some fuel system cleaner, and see how it goes from there. If it still gives trouble, you'll have to go through some more of the fuel system.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2005
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Take out the tank and inspect it. If it is solid (no holes) call around the radiator shops to find one that cleans out the tank and coats it. I have done 10 or more of these in the shop with no problems, and at a fraction of the price of a new tank.
